Sav-a-Life, Vestavia

Friday, April 13, 2012

As a continuation of the previous post,
I wanted to include a brief summary and explanation of a Senate bill as well.

SB6
By Senator Allen
February 7, 2012

Synopsis: “This
bill would establish the Abortion-Inducing Drug Safety Act. This bill would
provide legislative findings and purposes. This bill would make it unlawful to
administer any abortion-inducing drug to a woman without her receiving an exam
by a physician. This bill would provide a physician with guidelines to follow
in administering an abortion-inducing drug. This bill provides for criminal and
civil penalties. Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now
appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution
of Alabama of 1901, as amended, prohibits a general law whose purpose or effect
would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds from becoming
effective with regard to a local governmental entity without enactment by a 2/3
vote unless: it comes within one of a number of specified exceptions; it is
approved by the affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates funds, or
provides a local source of revenue, to the entity for the purpose. The purpose
or effect of this bill would be to require a new or increased expenditure of
local funds within the meaning of the amendment. However, the bill does not
require approval of a local governmental entity or enactment by a 2/3 vote to
become effective because it comes within one of the specified exceptions
contained in the amendment.”

As
a drug safety act, this bill is intended to protect women and make it unlawful
“to administer any abortion-inducing drug to a woman without her receiving an
exam by a physician.”

Many women do not realize the potential
physical health consequences that may result from specific drugs or the off-brand
of certain drugs. It is crucial to understand the risks in order to protect the
safety and lives of women. This bill is able to emphasize those risks. The
ramifications of this bill could reduce the amount of abortions that occur
outside of a licensed, medical facility.

“This
act may be known and cited as the Abortion-Inducing Drug Safety Act.” (section
1).

The bill continues to explain the
treatment and FDA approved drug label for this particular drug in order to put
stipulations on the administration of the drug. It limits the dosage to being
administered only in a clinic, medical office, or hospital under the
supervision of a physician.

A couple aspects of the bill that
should not be overlooked:

“Court testimony by Planned Parenthood
and other physicians demonstrates that physicians routinely fail to follow the
mifepristone protocol as tested and approved by the FDA.” (section 2:4).

And….

“The use of mifepristone presents
significant medical risks to women.

Abortion-inducing drugs are associated
with an increased risk of complications relative to surgical abortion. The risk
of complications increases with increasing gestational age, and, in the
instance of mifepristone, with failure to complete the two-step dosage process.

Off-label
use of mifepristone can be deadly.”
(section 2:5-7).

This bill is not limited to
mifepristone, and is meant to protect women from dangerous and potentially
deadly off-label use of abortion-inducing drugs.

A definition of the terms used in the
bill is necessary for this kind of bill, and is also useful to read. For
example, one important definition is that of the “unborn child: as the
offspring of human beings from conception until birth.” (section 3:9).

Section
5 of the bill clearly lays out what the bill is intended for: “It shall be
unlawful to provide a medical abortion to a woman without her being examined in
person by a physician and as further required by this act.” (section 5:a).

“A person who intentionally, knowingly,
or recklessly violates any provision of this act is guilty of a Class C
felony.” (section 7:a).

Although Class C felonies differ
depending on what part of the country you are in, in Alabama a Class C felony
might include: Criminally negligent homicide, Custody
Interference, Criminal Tampering- 1st degree,
Receiving stolen merchandise- 2nd degree.
According to courtregistry.org, in a Class C felony, the convicted can be fined within a range of $1000 up to $10,000. Not
only that, but according the Code of Alabama title 13A: criminal code 13A-5-6, the
convicted is also subject to no less than one year and no more than ten years
incarceration.

But what is also important to note about this bill is that it goes so
far as to make this provision:

“Nothing
in this act shall be construed as creating or recognizing a right to abortion. It
is not the intention of this act to make lawful an abortion that is currently
unlawful.” (section 9:a-b).

Although it is a long read, and these
points do not cover the whole of the bill, I hope you are left with at least a
better understanding of the bill and its ramifications. Maybe this has sparked
your curiosity and I would encourage you to read and analyze these bills for
yourself and determine what you support and how you might go about supporting
it.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Due to current social and political
discussions revolving around laws about contraceptives and abortion, the
significance of newer pro-life and related legislation has become more
relevant. Certain words such as insurance, healthcare, contraceptives, and
abortion act as trigger words—words that stimulate a heavy debate or trigger an
argumentative discussion on the subject of pro-life versus pro-choice. This
moral issue has become a political one. Many Representatives and Senators today
are taking a stand by promoting specific legislature that endeavors to uphold
constitutional principles and the sanctity of human life.

Recent House and Senate bills
are suggesting small but significant changes in current legislature. Some of these
bills are making simple exceptions to new healthcare laws, some require women
to have an exam by a physician before taking any abortion-inducing drugs, while
all are seeking to prevent taxpayer dollars from going to something many taxpayers
do not morally support.

In an effort to clarify and
explain some of these new bills, I am summarizing two in order to help keep the
public informed. An explanation of the bills and their purpose will help us to
understand their significance in today’s debates.

I
want to first address one of the house bills and its connotations.

HB112

By Representative Henry

February 7, 2012

Synopsis
of Bill: Currently, the new federal health care reform law requires individual
states to operate and maintain "health insurance exchanges." Health
insurance plans offering abortion coverage are allowed to participate in a
state's exchange and to receive federal subsidies unless the Legislature
affirmatively opts out of offering these plans. This bill would specifically
provide that the State of Alabama affirmatively opts out of allowing abortion
coverage by exchange participating health plans. This bill would prohibit
health insurance coverage of elective abortions unless the insured has paid additional
monies for a separate rider.

This bill makes two important points:

“Federal funding of insurance plans
that provide abortions is an unprecedented change in federal abortion funding
policy. The Hyde Amendment, as passed each year in the Labor Health and Human
Services Appropriations bill, and the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program,
FEHBP, prohibit federal funds from subsidizing health insurance plans that
provide abortions. Under this new law, however, exchange participating health
insurance plans that provide abortions can receive federal funds. (section
1:2).

"The provision of federal funding for
health insurance plans that provide abortion coverage is nothing short of
taxpayer funded and government endorsed abortion.” (section 1:3).

An important provision in this bill is
that: “The decision not to fund abortions places no governmental obstacle in
the path of a woman who chooses to terminate her pregnancy.” (section 1:5).

While this provision may seem like a
compromise, it may be necessary to take small steps in order to make big
changes with regard to current laws.

Furthermore, “Citizens of the State of
Alabama, like other Americans, oppose the use of public funds, both federal and
state, to pay for abortions. For example, a January 2010 Quinnipiac poll showed
that 7 in 10 Americans were opposed to provisions in federal health care reform
that use federal funds to pay for abortions and abortion coverage.” (section
1:7).

“No health insurance contract, plan, or
policy delivered or issued for delivery in Alabama shall provide coverage for
abortions except when the life of the mother is endangered by a physical
disorder, physical illness, or physical injury, including a life-endangering
physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Insurance
providers may offer abortion coverage through optional rider for which there
must be paid an additional premium.” (section 3:a)

This is one bill among many others
challenging the status quo in terms of abortion laws. If you are interested in
learning more about this bill and others, you can visit this site to find out
more about your legislature: http://www.legislature.state.al.us/index.html

A few other important House Bills are:
HB223, HB493, and HB375. You can search for these at ALISON.

If you agree with or support one or
more of these bills contact your legislator and/or representative and let them know! It is important for them
to realize how many of their constituents agree with certain bills in order for
them to represent you well. It is crucial for us to educate ourselves and to
know what we support to really make a difference and stand up for what we believe
in.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

With our annual
Fundraising Banquet coming up on April 19th, things are very busy at
Sav-A-Life. We are bathing the entire event—and all preparations for it—in
prayer. Our prayer coordinator, GiniBeth, is organizing 40 Days of Prayer in the
days leading up to the Banquet. This will begin March 11th and we will
be posting each day’s request on Facebook for those who wish to partner with us
in prayer over the work God will be doing.

Rebecca St.
James will be the featured speaker of the evening. She is a talented
singer/songwriter who has graced the contemporary Christian music scene. We are
very much looking forward to hearing about her passion for purity and the
sanctity of human life through musical expression.

“At the age
of 12—a time when most young girls are just beginning idyllic dreams of ‘what I
want to be’—a young Australian girl prayed a simple prayer. ‘God, I give you
mygifts. Use my life to make a difference and change the world.’

Rebecca St. James
has since taken an unparalleled course in Christian music. As the
industry’s innovative ‘new voice’ as a teen in the mid-90’s, she blazed a trail
in the contemporary Christian genre for many other talented female artists to
come.”

“Australian born Rebecca St. James is both a Grammy Award winner and multiple Dove Award recipient, who can count her
lead acting role in the film Sarah’s Choice, among her most
recent career highlights. With international success that has driven her record
sales into the multi-millions globally, she has been tireless on the concert/
live performance front since breaking as a major
artist in the Christian music industry while still in her teens. Rebecca was
in 2008 for the 7th consecutive
year named "Favorite Female
Artist" in Contemporary Christian Music by readers of CCM Magazine for the 7th year
in a row.”

“A gifted songwriter,
St. James’ signature blend of modern pop/rock sensibilities and lyrics of unwavering
devotion have blazed the way to seventeen Top
10 singles--nine of which have reached the #1 spot on the charts to date” (Jackie
Monaghan). In
addition to being a best selling author, advocate for Compassion International,
and acting in several national film productions as well as Sarah’s choice,
Rebecca has become a national media
voice for ‘life,’ displaying her multi-faceted career. She held a lead role
in the very recently released film “The Frontier Boys,”and her newest album, I Will
Praise You is now available in stores and online and may be previewed on
her website: http://rsjames.com/

With versatile talent Rebecca St. James has been able to
reach different kinds of audiences across the world. As a professing believer
and supporter of pro-life ministries she is able to share the gospel with those
around her by the way she lives her life and her unabashed confession of faith
in a world that rejects the value God places on life.

Rebecca is passionate about youth-related ministries,
especially those focused on young women’s purity. She shares some about the
issue in this video:

After advocating for abstinence and purity before marriage, and
as a now recently married woman, Rebecca is able to describe the ways in which
the Lord blesses your marriage when you are faithful to wait. Watch this video:

Rebecca St. James’ message coupled with the love and care
that go into each step of planning for the event will make for an inventive,
beautiful evening in which we will have the opportunity to see God’s grace in
action.

Please join us for our Fundraising Banquet!

Sav-A-Life, Vestavia invites you to a Fundraising
Banquet

"Life...a Beautiful Choice"

Thursday, April 19 2012

With speaker and performer Rebecca St.
James

Cahaba Grand Conference Center, Dinner &
Program 7:00-9:00 PM

Dinner is complimentary (an opportunity to
make a financial gift will be extended)

Seating is limited. Please let us know if
you would like to attend. 205-979-0302

Seating is limited, therefore
reservations made in advance are necessary.
Please RSVP by March 30th

Monday, February 27, 2012

Did you know that in
2011 we know of at least 97 babies that
were saved from abortion?

Or that we had more
than 5,500 visits through Sav-A-Life
Pregnancy Test Center – includingclients
who came for pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STD testing, parenting classes,
fatherhood programs, childbirth classes, and more? And, did you know that the gospel was presented more than 1,100 times
to those clients?

These things are
accomplished through the generous support of our faithful donors. The majority of our donors support us
as a result of our annual Banquet for
Life!

On April 19, 2012, Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Test Center will be
holding its annual fundraising dinner. Our annual banquet provides an
opportunity to expose new people to the Pregnancy Test Center and ultimately
the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through hosting a complimentary dinner with a
speaker and a message, Sav-A-Life intends to raise a greater awareness for the
organization and the mission as well as raise support for the coming year
through prayer, financial means, and volunteer services.

Last year’s guest speaker was abortion survivor Gianna
Jessen, who challenged the audience to stand up boldly for the sanctity of
human life. Through God’s provision and the support of those in attendance,
Sav-A-Life raised over half the year’s budget expenses and was able to share
the goals and vision for the ministry with almost 500 individuals.

Just a few memories….

Last Year's Theme

Featured Speaker Gianna Jessen

The Beautiful Dinner

Emcee-Stephen Hauck Morning TV anchor

Track 7: The Evening's Musical Entertainment

This year our featured speaker will be singer/performer
Rebecca St. James. The theme is “Life—A beautiful choice.” We look forward to watching
the Lord work in the hearts and minds of all involved in the night’s events and
all those who will be directly or indirectly influenced by the ministry as a
result.

If you are interested in attending this year’s banquet or
perhaps hosting a table for the event and inviting guests, please call (205)
979-0302.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Gift of Birth Baby Shower
provides a way for people to minister to our clients. The showers can be a
wonderful ministry opportunity for small groups or church groups and most are
held in a church setting. Each expecting mother brings one support person and
receives gift packages including many items for when they bring their baby home.
Usually between 20 and 30 people attend including the mothers and their
support persons, the hosts, the childbirth educator, and the fatherhood coordinator.
The most recent baby shower turned out very well and was a lot of fun for those
in attendance. Since I was unable to attend, it was exciting to watch the
shower unfold through videos and photos as the expecting parents got involved
in games and enjoyed fellowship together.

This Baby Shower was held at the
Caroline House at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, large enough to accommodate
all mothers involved. There were treats and gifts, fun games and a time of prayer and blessing.

The decor was lovely and the food delicious.

The expecting mothers played memory games and received prizes.

The Hostesses truly displayed the love of Christ through their ministry and the way they loved on the mothers. Watch a hostess share her reason for serving in this particular area. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxoWU3fI5is.

Russell shared about the Fatherhood
ministry, and about how we want to emphasize the importance of a father in a
child’s life. He was also able to share the gospel with those who attended the
shower. We are so blessed to have him as our fatherhood coordinator! (Watch the YouTube video here to hear Russell's fatherhood presentation). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwcvjbGa_aA

What a joy these women were!
One woman expresses her thanks for the shower:

A time of prayer and a blessing over the children followed. Russell and Vicki both prayed with the mothers and their support: To hear Russel's prayer, watch here.

If the Gift of Birth Baby Shower
seems like a serving opportunity you don’t want to pass up, let us know! If
you’re interested please contact Vicki Angel at (205) 979-1703 or email her at
vickiangell@savalife.org

Monday, February 13, 2012

This afternoon at 1pm Sav-A-Life held a memorial service for the recorded 53 million abortions since the Roe vs. Wade court decision to legalize abortion in the United States. It was a time to remember the lives lost due to abortions and the lives that were forever impacted and changed as a result. Prayer, scripture reading, and a dedication and blessing of those precious babies to the Lord were included.

We sat together in humble silence, song, and confession, as we worshiped the Lord, mourned the loss of these children, and praised the Father for his sovereign mercy.

Prayer of Confession:

"Let us confess our sins unto Almighty God.

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from Thy ways like lost sheep,

we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts,

we have offended against Thy holy laws,

we have left undone the things which we ought to have done,

and we have done those things which we ought not to have done...

Thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord;

and grant, O merciful Father, for His sake, that we may hereafter

live a Godly, righteous and sober life, to the glory of Thy holy Name.

Amen."

As we prayed this prayer, I was particularly convicted of leaving "undone the things which we ought to have done, and doing those things which we ought not to have done." What a gracious Father we have to forgive us of our unfaithfulness. We praise Him for the lives he brings into this world and those he takes home to be with him. Everything according to His perfect will.

One moment that struck my heart and will continue to remain with me was the ringing of the bells. We sat in silence as the bells were rung 53 times for the 53 million lives lost. We mourn, but we also rejoice that these unknown lives are with Jesus today.

Following the ringing of the bells, the floor was opened to light a candle in memory of each specific life lost. It was a time of silent reflection and prayer.

As we closed with a prayer and a blessing, we remembered the healing that Christ brings to all our hearts, and the way in which His glory may be seen through every circumstance.

"I bring all my energies to bear on this one thing:

forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead."

Philippians 3:13

We will continue to pray for those who are hoping for healing in the times ahead. It is only through our Father we may find full forgiveness and healing.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

I was fifteen when my life was first truly interrupted by the knowledge that unborn children were dying every day with no voice to defend them. I saw images from failed abortions that will forever be engraved in my mind. I was impacted, but unsure of how I could really influence or change the status quo. I was passionate about preserving the sanctity of human life, and standing for what I believed in, but how was I to go about making a stance as a teen? I researched the issue and the arguments made for pro-choice and pro-life stances. I wrote a paper discussing the issue. This was not enough, but as it often does, life became crazy and I got caught up in other things. School, travel, mission trips, and sports consumed my everyday life. My desire to do something about our nation’s current situation and make a difference in the lives of women faced with this decision was pushed to the back of my mind. I never meant to disregard what God had instilled in my heart as an important mission, but for years I did just that. My immediate worries and concerns over the direction my life was going seemed to be priority at the time. I knew what I believed, but not knowing how to act on this particular belief, I stalled.

Even so, as I reflect on how I came to this place in my life, I recognize God’s goodness, His mercy, and His guidance. I may make plans and not follow through, but everything happens in His timing, and He motivated me to action in a way I would not have expected.

Here I was, my senior year of college, praying for direction in finding an internship in order to finish my degree in Communication Studies at the University of Montevallo. I had heard about Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Test Center before and knew vaguely about their ministry to women who had had abortions or who were seeking counseling for making decisions regarding their pregnancy. However, it wasn’t until I sought out organizations, magazines, or any other venue that would serve as a place of learning for my degree, that I realized here was an opportunity to make a small difference.

In His grace and sufficiency, the Lord provided me an opportunity to serve Him and others while filling requirements for my education at the same time. Although I did not immediately act on what God laid on my heart, I do believe the Lord was presenting an opportunity for me to serve now, so I took it.

As an intern at Sav-A-Life, I may work on communication skills in public relations, marketing, counseling, and writing. Creative projects coupled with an eclectic mix of communication related outlets sum up my job description. Here I am able to practice my creative interests in communication, art, and writing—all of it for a specific purpose: to glorify the Lord. Motivated by an issue God laid on my heart years ago, I can now serve in a way I never expected. But isn’t that how God always works?